Now that you’ve decided where to put your central vacuum inlet valves, it’s time to install them into home. Do not forget to look into other central vacuum accessories, such as the vacpan and doc-it system. These types of valves are very convenient when in the home. Before you get started you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary tools to proceed.

The tools you will need are:

–          An electric drill

–          2 3/8 inch auger drill bit

–          Phillips drill bit

–          Wire cutters

–          1/16 inch pilot hole drill bit

–          PVC glue

Once you have all the needed tools, you can start to install the inlet valve where your central vacuum hose will connect. The first thing you want to do is measure the height at which other utilities are being placed. This can be easily done by finding an electric inlet near you. Measure from the base of the floor to the vertical center of the inlet. This is the height at which you’ll place the vertical central of the central vacuum valve. Take the bracket for your valve and place the center at the predetermined height. Screw the bracket into the 2×4 stud where you’re going to place the valve. Once you have completed this it’s time to drill down into the floor for your central vacuum pipe. Use your 1/16 pilot hole drill bit to drill through the center of where your going to place your 2 3/8’’ hole for the pipe. Once you have drilled through the wood leave the bit in the hole and try to locate it in the ceiling of the basement. If your drill bit does not have any obstructions by it (HVAC, Plumbing, etc) you will now found a proper place to drop your pipe.  Take your 2 3/8 auger drill bit and drill through the 2×4 to make room for the pipe and low voltage wire. Once this is done you can start piping the valve stub.

Take a short 90 degree elbow and place it at the back of the valve bracket facing down. Use your pipe and fittings to make the central vac pipe go through your 2 3/8 hole in the wall base. Be sure to leave at least 3-4 inches of pipe underneath the floor to connect to. Once this is done you can connect the low voltage wire. Take a 15 ft. piece and place one end at the base of the inlet valve. Run the length of the wire down through the hole and drop it into the basement. You have now piped a stub for a central vacuum valve. Repeat this for the other valves.

Note: Most of the time it may not be this easy. There are usually obstructions that you will have to go around. Be creative in your piping, but always make sure the central vacuum systems flow is going towards the unit.

Thanks for reading,
 – The Central Vac Guys

PROCEED TO: Central Vacuum Installation – Part 4